About Abel:
Abel is a family-owned company in the Netherlands that manufactures and sells beautiful toys that inspire creative plays. Abel blocks promote creativity and open-ended play with limitless building opportunities. Designed by brothers Jelmer and Folko, these curved building blocks are made from sustainable FSC beech using only non-toxic waterbased stains. They are perfect for exploring pattern and STEM concepts through play.
Abel Blocks:
Abel Blocks are available in 3 different sets. Abel Blocks, Abel Blocks Mini, and Abel Golden Ratio. These beautiful curved building blocks are handmade from FSC European beech wood. Abel Blocks are smooth and warm to the touch, with a natural finish showing off the woods beautiful grain.
Abel Blocks is the original set. It comes in 12, 24, and 72 blocks set. It is 9″ length across underside (25cm long). 11″ curve length on top of block. 3/4″ thick. Since Abel Blocks is bigger than Abel Blocks Mini and Abel Golden Ratio, it is better suited for younger children and great for building towers.
Abel Blocks Mini are the little brothers of the Abel blocks. Two minis are as long and as high as a large block. The size is 4.92 x .94 in. (12.5cm x 2.4cm) comes in 12, 36, and 66 blocks set. Abel Blocks Mini are much smaller and lighter than the original Abel Blocks and makes them easier to manuever for little hands.
Abel Golden Ratio come in four different sizes, the largest of which is the same size as the Abel Block mini. The approximate length of the pieces are 12.5, 7.73, 4.78 and 2.95 cm. Each with a width of 2.4 cm. Abel Golden Ratio comes in 24, 48, or 96 blocks set and has the smallest curved blocks. It is perfect to add tighter curves and details to any design.
My Abel Blocks Collection:
I fell in love with Abel’s natural curved blocks two years ago. I started with Abel blocks (original set) 24 blocks. I thought it was the right amount to make mandalas, flatlays, and builds.
A year later, I added to my collection and got the Abel Blocks Mini 36. It provided more details to the original Abel blocks.
Most recently, I added Abel Golden Ratio 48 to accompany my other Abel Block sets and I am in love. This was the perfect pairing with the Abel Blocks Mini as they are the same height. It provides more intricate details to your creation. I think if I have to do it all over again, I would get the 96 block set. Those small curved blocks are so fun to add to any designs.
Ways to Play with Abel Blocks:
Flatlays
This might be my favorite way to play with Abel Blocks. All the curve pieces these sets offer allows you to make anything you like. It is truly an open-ended toy.
Mandalas
There is something peaceful and therapeutic about making mandalas. Some people use mandalas for meditation. It can also help reduce anxiety and stress. With the varying sizes of the curved blocks, you can make beautiful mandala designs.
Buildings
You can build various structures for small world play. Small world play allows children to act out scenarios in a miniature play scene, created with small figures and objects. A child’s small world play is often based around a certain theme depending on the child’s interests. Small world play encourages children to be creative and to use their imaginations like no other play.
Ball Runs
I found that Abel Blocks make the easiest ball run. Not to mention it sounds beautiful. Simply put two Abel blocks in parallel or flip them upside down and lay them next each other and you have a ball run. Even my 4 year old at the time was able to make this on his own.
Tic Tac Toe
This is by far my kids’ favorite way to play with Abel Blocks. The Abel Blocks Mini is perfect to make a Tic Tac Toe board. You need 24 blocks to create the board. Add different objects to represent Xs and Os.
Where to Buy Abel Blocks?
You can find the Abel store locator here.
Disclosure: The Abel Golden Ratio Set was kindly gifted by brand. All thoughts and opinions are my own.